Method to Fight Against Insects Including the Use of Hydrocarbon Compounds

ABSTRACT

Method of fighting against insects including the use of a hydrocarbon compound mixture chosen among alkanes or alkenes comprising from 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Hydrocarbon compound mixture according to this invention. Insecticide composition including a hydrocarbon compound mixture according to the invention in mixture with one or several insecticide compounds. Method of treatment against insects with an efficient quantity of such composition.

The present invention relates to a method to fight against insectscomprising the use of hydrocarbon compounds, as well as an insecticidecomposition comprising a mixture of such hydrocarbon compounds and amethod of treatment of insects by using these insecticide compositions.

Insects, and more particularly gregarious, social, and sub-socialinsects, use the hydrocarbons that cover their exoskeleton forrecognition between species, but also between members of the samespecie. These hydrocarbon compounds are perceived on contact by theinsects and affect their behavior. They constitute their chemicalsignature and induce various social behaviors such as, for example,gathering in colonies or transportation of eggs and young larvae.

The role played by the hydrocarbon compounds covering the exoskeleton ofinsects in mechanisms of interspecies and intraspecies recognition isdescribed in a 1991 article taken from the Journal of Chemical Ecology,vol. 17, 1191, pages 2397 to 2419, especially in the first twoparagraphs on page 2398. The use of lures covered with differentextracts of hydrocarbon compounds to study the reactions and thebehaviors of the species is disclosed. This document does not discloseany association of hydrocarbon compounds with insecticide activeingredients neither it discloses the use of hydrocarbon compounds forfighting against insects.

The use of certain toxins, in the form of baits for example, to fightagainst social or sub-social insects is well known to the specialists.For example, patent applications EP 0203413 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,066disclose the use of bait comprising hydrocarbon derivatives to attractand fight respectively against wasps and flies. Nests of wasps and fliesare small and contain only a few individuals. The spread of the toxinbetween the different members of the colony, including the membersliving in the nest, is generally not a problem for such species.Nevertheless, nests of termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locustsare different : they can contain several thousands and sometime evenseveral millions of individuals and are generally very extensive. Thisis for example the case of subterranean termite nests which can containseveral thousand of individuals, sometime several millions. The nest isgenerally diffused and can also contain several satellite nests withsecondary reproductive. Links between parts of the nest are made bygalleries being able to length several dozen of meters in which contactsoccur between congeners. The use of the type of bait as described inpatent applications EP 0203413 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,066 to fightagainst termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts thereforepresents the drawback in that it is impossible to affect the entirecolony, and especially the part of the colony living in the nest. Thetoxin generally affects only part of the target insect population thatconsumes the bait and thus directly ingests the toxin.

Surprisingly, it has now been discovered that the use of particularhydrocarbon compounds or a mixture of them can considerably improve theefficacy of the toxins used to combat social, sub-social or gregariousinsects chosen from the group comprising termites, ants, cockroaches,earwigs and locusts, since they allow better absorption and adsorptionof the toxin by the insects that consume it directly, as well as itsgood diff-usion among the various members of the colony, including themembers of the colony living in the nest. The use of such compounds alsoreduces the quantity of toxin used and, if bait is used, the number ofbaits placed, which represents, among other advantages, a reduction intreatment cost, as well as a reduction in the spreading of the materialsin the environment.

Consequently, the object of this invention is a method of fightingagainst social, sub-social or gregarious insects chosen from the groupcomprising termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts comprisingthe use of a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds chosen among alkanes andalkenes comprising from 20 to 40 carbon atoms.

In the context of the present invention, the terms alkanes and alkenescover linear as well as branched compounds.

In the context of the present invention “social insects” means insectsliving in hierarchical societies with division of labor betweendifferent castes and an overlap between different generations.

In the context of the present invention “sub-social insects” meansinsects living in groups or family groups where parents take care oftheir young at least for part of their development.

In the context of the present invention “gregarious insects” meansinsects tending to stay in clusters and herd together.

The use of hydrocarbon compound mixtures according to this inventionallows obtaining an “arresting” effect on the insects, meaning that whenthe mixture of hydrocarbon compounds is perceived on contact or at ashort distance by the insect, the insect is attracted by the mixturewhich induces an arresting behavior in the insect or limits itsmovements to the place where the mixture was deposited. An insect whichhas perceived a hydrocarbon compound mixture according to this inventionwill have the tendency to remain in contact with said mixture for a longtime. In addition, an insect which has consumed or transported such amixture will see its contacts with other insects of the same speciesincrease, thus improving the distribution of the mixture between thedifferent members of the colony.

This invention relates to a method of fighting against social,sub-social or gregarious insects chosen from the group comprisingtermites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts comprising the use ofalkanes or alkenes comprising from 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Preferably,the alkanes or alkenes used comprise from 23 to 35 carbon atoms. Morepreferably, the alkanes and alkenes used comprise from 25 to 27 carbonatoms. Even more preferably, the alkanes and alkenes used are chosenfrom the group comprising 11-methyltetracosane, 5-methylpentacosane,11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane,5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and 5-methyltetracosane.

A preferred hydrocarbon compound mixture according to the presentinvention comprises 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, andn-pentacosane (mixture A). More preferably, the following mixture isused (mixture A-1):

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 36 to 51% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 16 to 31% in weight; and

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 26 to 41% in weight.

Even more preferably, the following mixture is used (mixture A-2):

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 41 to 46% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 21 to 26% in weight; and

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 31 to 35% in weight.

Another preferred hydrocarbon mixture according to the present inventioncomprises 5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, and n-hexacosane (mixture B). More preferably, thefollowing mixture is used (mixture B-1):

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 4 to 19% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 29 to 43% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 12 to 27% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 20 to 35% in weight; and

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight.

Even more preferably, the following mixture is used (mixture B-2):

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 9 to 14% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 34 to 38% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 17 to 22% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 25 to 30% in weight; and

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 7% in weight.

Another preferred hydrocarbon mixture according to the present inventioncomprises 11-methyltetracosane, 5-methylpentacosane,11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane,5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and 5-methyltetracosane (mixture C). Morepreferably, the following mixture is used (mixture C-1)

11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 10% in weight;

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 18% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 27 to 41% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 11 to 26% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 19 to 33% in weight;

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight.

5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5% inweight; and

5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5% in weight.

Even more preferably, the following mixture is used (mixture C-2):

11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 5% in weight;

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 8 to 13% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 32 to 36% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 16 to 21% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 24 to 28% in weight;

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 2 to 7% in weight.

5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.5 to 3% inweight; and

5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.5 to 3% in weight.

In order for the effects of hydrocarbon compound mixtures according tothe present invention to be significant, the mixture quantity to be usedmay vary according to the insect species targeted and the intensity ofthe effect sought. Preferably, 0.000001 to 1 g/m² of hydrocarboncompound mixture according to the present invention will be used. Morepreferably, 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of hydrocarbon compound mixtureaccording to the present invention will be used. Even more preferably0.0001 to 0.2 g/m² of hydrocarbon compound mixture according to thepresent invention will be used. These quantities are equivalent, from apractical point of view, to a quantity of hydrocarbon compound mixtureaccording to the present invention used ranging from 0.0001 to 100μg/cm², preferably from 0.001 to 50 μg/cm², even more preferably from0.01 to 20 μg/cm².

The object of the present invention is therefore a method of fightingagainst social, sub-social or gregarious insects chosen from the groupcomprising termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts comprisingcomprising the use of a hydrocarbon compound mixture as defined above.Preferably, the insects treated according to the method described aboveare termites or ants. Even more preferably, the insects treatedaccording to the method described above are termites.

Certain hydrocarbon compounds mixtures according to the presentinvention are novel. Consequently, the present invention also relates toa hydrocarbon compound mixture comprising 11-methylpentacosane,(Z)-9-pentacosene, and n-pentacosane (mixture A). Preferably, thepresent invention relates to the following mixture (mixture A-1):

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 36 to 51% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 16 to 31% in weight; and

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 26 to 41% in weight.

Even more preferably, the present invention relates to the followingmixture (mixture (A-2):

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 41 to 46% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 21 to 26% in weight; and

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 31 to 35% in weight.

Another mixture which is the object of the present invention is ahydrocarbon compounds mixture comprising 5-methylpentacosane,11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, and n-hexacosane(mixture B). Preferably, the present invention relates to the followingmixture (mixture B-1):

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 4 to 19% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 29 to 43% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 12 to 27% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 30 to 35% in weight; and

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight.

Even more preferably, the present invention relates to the followingmixture (mixture (B-2):

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 9 to 14% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 34 to 38% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 17 to 22% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 25 to 30% in weight; and

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 7% in weight.

Another mixture which is the object of the present invention is ahydrocarbon compounds mixture comprising 11-methyltetracosane,5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, 5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and5-methyltetracosane (mixture C). Preferably, the present inventionrelates to the following mixture (mixture C-1):

11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 10% in weight;

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 8% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 27 to 31% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 11 to 26% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 19 to 23% in weight;

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight;

5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5% inweight; and

5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5%.

Even more preferably, the present invention relates to the followingmixture (mixture (C-2):

11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 5% in weight;

5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 8 to 13% in weight;

11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 32 to 36% in weight;

(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 16 to 21% in weight;

n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 24 to 28% in weight;

n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 2 to 7% in weight;

5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.5 to 3% inweight; and

5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.5 to 3%.

Another object of the present invention is an insecticide compositionincluding a hydrocarbon compound mixture as defined above and one orseveral insecticide compounds.

Among the insecticide compounds which may be used in the context of thepresent invention, for the followings may be cited as examples:abamectin, acephate, acetamiprid, acrinathrin, alanycrb, aldicarb,allethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, aluminium phosphide, amitraz,azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, bendiocarb,benfuracarb, bensultap, beta-cyfluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin,bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cyclopentenyl isomer, bioresmethrin,bistrifluron, borax, buprofezin, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim,cadusafos, calcium cyanide, calcium polysulfide, carbaryl, carbofuran,carbosulfan, cartap, chlordane, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr,chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chloropicrin,chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chromafenozide, clothianidin,coumaphos, cryolite, cyanophos, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin,cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, cyromazine, dazomet, deltamethrin,demeton-S-methyl, diafenthiuron, diazinon, dichlorvos, dicrotophos,dicyclanil, diflubenzuron, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, dinotefuran,disulfoton, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, empenthrin, endosulfan,esfenvalerate, ethiofencarb, ethion, ethiprole, ethoprophos, ethylenedibromide, etofenprox, etoxazole, famphur, fenitrothion, fenobucarb,fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenthion, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid,flucycloxuron, flucythrinate, flufenoxuron, flumethrin, formetanate,formetanate hydrochloride, fosthiazate, furathiocarb, halofenozide,heptachlor, heptenophos, hexaflumuron, hydramethylnon, hydroprene,imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, isofenphos, isoprocarb, isopropylO-(methoxyaminothiophosphoryl)salicylate, isoxathion,lambda-cyhalothrin, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, lufenuron,magnesium phosphide, malathion, mecarbam, mercurous chloride, metam,metam-sodium, methamidophos, methidathion, methiocarb, methomyl,methoprene, methothrin, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methylisothiocyanate, metolcarb, mevinphos, milbemectin, monocrotophos, naled,naphthalenic compounds, nicotine, nitenpyram, nithiazine, novaluron,noviflumuron, omethoate, oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion,parathion-methyl, pentachlorophenol, pentachlorophenyl laurate,permethrin, petroleum oils, phenothrin, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone,phosmet, phosphamidon, phosphine, phoxim, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-methyl,prallethrin, profenofos, propaphos, propetamphos, propoxur, prothiofos,pymetrozine, pyraclofos, pyrethrins, pyrethrins, pyrethrins, pyridaben,pyridaphenthion, pyrimidifen, pyriproxyfen, quinalphos, resmethrin,rotenone, sabadilla, silafluofen, sodium cyanide, sodiumpentachloro-phenoxide, spinosad, sulcofuron, sulcofuron-sodium,sulfluramid, sulfotep, sulfuryl fluoride, sulprofos, tau-fluvalinate,tebufenozide, tebupirimfos, teblubenzuron, tefluthrin, temephos,terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, tetramethrin, tetramethrin,theta-cypermethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiodicarb, thiofanox,thiometon, thiosultap-sodium, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin,triazamate, triazophos, trichlorfon, triblumuron, trimethacarb,vamidothion, xylylcarb, zeta-cypermethrin, and zinc phosphide.

Among these compounds fipronil, chlorfenapyr, spinosad, thiamethoxam,imidacloprid, indoxacarb, clothianidin, acetamiprid, dinotefuran,flonicamid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, hexaflumuron, lufenuron,noviflumuron, triflumuron, or ethiprole are preferably used. Morepreferably, fipronil, chlorfenapyr, spinosad, thiamethoxam,imidacloprid, or ethiprole are used. Even more preferably, imidaclopridor fipronil are used.

Among the insecticide compositions preferred according to the inventionthe following compositions can be cited as examples but withoutlimitation thereto: Insecticide composition Hydrocarbon compoundInsecticide according to invention mixture compound 1 Mixture AImidacloprid 2 Mixture A-1 Imidacloprid 3 Mixture A-2 Imidacloprid 4Mixture B Imidacloprid 5 Mixture B-1 Imidacloprid 6 Mixture B-2Imidacloprid 7 Mixture C Imidacloprid 8 Mixture C-1 Imidacloprid 9Mixture C-2 Imidacloprid 10 Mixture A Fipronil 11 Mixture A-1 Fipronil12 Mixture A-2 Fipronil 13 Mixture B Fipronil 14 Mixture B-1 Fipronil 15Mixture B-2 Fipronil 16 Mixture C Fipronil 17 Mixture C-1 Fipronil 18Mixture C-2 Fipronil 19 Mixture A Chlorfenapyr 20 Mixture A-1Chlorfenapyr 21 Mixture A-2 Chlorfenapyr 22 Mixture B Chlorfenapyr 23Mixture B-1 Chlorfenapyr 24 Mixture B-2 Chlorfenapyr 25 Mixture CChlorfenapyr 26 Mixture C-1 Chlorfenapyr 27 Mixture C-2 Chlorfenapyr 28Mixture A Spinosad 29 Mixture A-1 Spinosad 30 Mixture A-2 Spinosad 31Mixture B Spinosad 32 Mixture B-1 Spinosad 33 Mixture B-2 Spinosad 34Mixture C Spinosad 35 Mixture C-1 Spinosad 36 Mixture C-2 Spinosad 37Mixture A Thiamethoxam 38 Mixture A-1 Thiamethoxam 39 Mixture A-2Thiamethoxam 40 Mixture B Thiamethoxam 41 Mixture B-1 Thiamethoxam 42Mixture B-2 Thiamethoxam 43 Mixture C Thiamethoxam 44 Mixture C-1Thiamethoxam 45 Mixture C-2 Thiamethoxam 46 Mixture A Ethiprole 47Mixture A-1 Ethiprole 48 Mixture A-2 Ethiprole 49 Mixture B Ethiprole 50Mixture B-1 Ethiprole 51 Mixture B-2 Ethiprole 52 Mixture C Ethiprole 53Mixture C-1 Ethiprole 54 Mixture C-2 Ethiprole 55 Mixture A Indoxacarb56 Mixture A-1 Indoxacarb 57 Mixture A-2 Indoxacarb 58 Mixture BIndoxacarb 59 Mixture B-1 Indoxacarb 60 Mixture B-2 Indoxacarb 61Mixture C Indoxacarb 62 Mixture C-1 Indoxacarb 63 Mixture C-2 Indoxacarb64 Mixture A Chlothianidin 65 Mixture A-1 Chlothianidin 66 Mixture A-2Chlothianidin 67 Mixture B Chlothianidin 68 Mixture B-1 Chlothianidin 69Mixture B-2 Chlothianidin 70 Mixture C Chlothianidin 71 Mixture C-1Chlothianidin 72 Mixture C-2 Chlothianidin 73 Mixture A Hexaflumuron 74Mixture A-1 Hexaflumuron 75 Mixture A-2 Hexaflumuron 76 Mixture BHexaflumuron 77 Mixture B-1 Hexaflumuron 78 Mixture B-2 Hexaflumuron 79Mixture C Hexaflumuron 80 Mixture C-1 Hexaflumuron 81 Mixture C-2Hexaflumuron 82 Mixture A Lufenuron 83 Mixture A-1 Lufenuron 84 MixtureA-2 Lufenuron 85 Mixture B Lufenuron 86 Mixture B-1 Lufenuron 87 MixtureB-2 Lufenuron 88 Mixture C Lufenuron 89 Mixture C-1 Lufenuron 90 MixtureC-2 Lufenuron 91 Mixture A Noviflumuron 92 Mixture A-1 Noviflumuron 93Mixture A-2 Noviflumuron 94 Mixture B Noviflumuron 95 Mixture B-1Noviflumuron 96 Mixture B-2 Noviflumuron 97 Mixture C Noviflumuron 98Mixture C-1 Noviflumuron 99 Mixture C-2 Noviflumuron 100 Mixture ATriflumuron 101 Mixture A-1 Triflumuron 102 Mixture A-2 Triflumuron 103Mixture B Triflumuron 104 Mixture B-1 Triflumuron 105 Mixture B-2Triflumuron 106 Mixture C Triflumuron 107 Mixture C-1 Triflumuron 108Mixture C-2 Triflumuron

The insecticide composition according to the present invention mayoptionally contain one or several tensioactive agents as well as one orseveral supports.

According to the present invention, tensioactive agent means any ionicor non-ionic emulsifying, dispersing, or wetting agent or a mixture ofsuch tensioactive agents. We can cite, for example, polyacrylic acidsalts, lignosulfonic acid salts, phenolsulfonic or naphthalenesulfonicacid salts, ethylene oxide polycondensates on fatty alcohols or on fattyacids or on fatty amines, substituted phenols (especially alkylphenolsor arylphenols), sulfosuccinic acid ester salts, taurine derivatives(especially alkyltaurates), phosphoric esters of alcohols or ofpolyoxyethylated phenols, fatty acid and polyol esters, sulfate functionderivatives, sulfonates and phosphates of the above compounds. Thepresence of at least one tensioactive agent is generally indispensablewhen the active matter and/or the inert support are not soluble in waterand the application vector agent is water.

The insecticide composition according to the present invention maycontain the hydrocarbon compound mixture in very varied proportionsdepending on the efficacy sought and the insects targeted. Preferably,the composition according to this invention may contain from 0.000001%to 99.99% in weight of the hydrocarbon compound mixture according to thepresent invention, preferably from 0.0001% to 99.99% in weight, morepreferably from 0.01 to 99.99% in weight of the hydrocarbon compoundmixture according to the present invention.

The insecticide composition according to the present invention may beused in various forms among which can be cited oily solutions,emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, fluid formulations, andspecifically aqueous suspensions or aqueous emulsions, granules,powders, pastes, emulsions, concentrated suspensions, as well aspossible mixtures, associations, or combinations of these various forms.

The insecticide composition according to the present invention may takethe form of numerous formulation types. Therefore, these compositionscan be used in the form of water soluble package; in the form of baitsuch as ready-to-use bait, concentrate for bait preparation, baits instock, baits on grain, granulated bait, bait in plates, or bait onchips; in the form of fumigant, such as smoke candle, smoke cartridge,smoke granules, smoke stick, smoke tablet, or smoke box; in the form ofgranules such as encapsulated granules, fine granules, macrogranules,microgranules, granules or tables dispersible in water, or granules ortablets soluble in water; in the form of powder such as soluble powder,track powder, wettable powder, powder for powdering, wettable powder formoist treatment, soluble powder for seed treatment or powder to bedispersed in oil; in the form of concentrated suspension also calledliquefiable concentrate; in the form of concentrated suspensiondilutable in oil; in the form of suspension for very low volumeapplication; in the form of emulsion such as an aqueous emulsion or anoily/inverse emulsion; in the form of gel; in the form of compressedgas; in the form of gas generating product; in the form of liquidmiscible in oil; in the form of paste; in the form of solubleconcentrate; in the form of liquid for seed treatment; in the form ofcapsule suspension; in the form of emulsifiable concentrate; in the formof liquid for very low volume application; in the form of steamspreading product; in the form of aerosol generator; in the form ofproduct for cold nebulization; or in the form of product for hotnebulization.

Preferably, the insecticides according to the invention may take theform of water soluble package, concentrated suspension, granules, bait,or fumigant.

The use of a hydrocarbon compound mixture according to the presentinvention in mixture with one or several of the aforementionedinsecticide compounds considerably increases the efficacy of the toxinson the members of the colony that are in contact with the compositionand/or consume it, since, due to the arresting effect of the hydrocarboncompound mixture, they remain in contact with the insecticidecomposition for a longer time and/or consume more of it. In addition,the use of a hydrocarbon compound mixture according to this invention inmixture with one or several of the insecticide compounds mentioned abovealso considerably increases the efficacy of the toxins on the othermembers of the colony, including the members in the nest, since, alwaysdue to the arresting effect of the hydrocarbon compound mixture, theinsects that have consumed the insecticide composition according to thisinvention will transmit a much larger quantity to the other members ofthe colony.

The compositions according to the present invention may be used in thefight against social, sub-social or gregarious insects chosen from thegroup comprising termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts. Thus,the object of this invention is also a method of treatment againstsocial, sub-social or gregarious insects chosen from the groupcomprising termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and locusts using anefficacious quantity of an insecticide composition described above.

In the context of the present invention, “efficacious quantity” means aquantity of composition according to the invention sufficient to reducethe number of social or sub-social insects or eliminate them.Advantageously, such a quantity will completely destroy the colony.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a method of treatmentagainst termites or ants. More preferably, the present invention relatesto a method of treatment against termites.

The following examples are mentioned in order to illustrate in anon-limiting manner the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Demonstration of the “Arresting” Effect on a Population ofTermites from a Mixture According to the Invention Including5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, and n-hexacosane (Mixture B)

20 termite workers of type Reticulitermes santonensis-flavipes areplaced in a 5-cm Petri dish containing:

2 mm Fontainebleau wet sand on the bottom;

a 1 cm² square of filter paper treated with 50 μl of a hydrocarboncompound mixture containing 11.4% in weight of 5-methylpentacosane;36.3% in weight of 11-methylpentacosane; 19.6% in weight of(Z)-9-pentacosene; 27.7% in weight of n-pentacosane, and 5% in weight ofn-hexacosane. This hydrocarbon compound mixture is dissolved in pentaneand deposited on filter paper. The termites are placed in contact withthe treated paper after complete evaporation of the pentane;

a 1 cm² square of filter paper, untreated.

The termites found under each of the two sheets of filter paper are thencounted after 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours.

This test is repeated identically 5 times.

A control test conducted under the same condition with non-treatedfilter paper and filter paper treated with pentane used to dissolve thehydrocarbon compound mixture tested, with the termites coming in contactwith the treated paper only after the complete evaporation of pentane,is also done 5 times.

The results obtained are then analyzed statistically according to the X²(Chi-square) method: the observed distribution is compared to thetheoretical distribution (10 termites under each filter paper). For asignificance threshold a equal to 5%, the values obtained aresignificantly different from reference values, thus proving thearresting effect of the mixture tested, for a X²>9.48.

The mixture was tested with various concentrations (10⁻¹ g/ml, 10⁻²g/ml, 10⁻³ g/ml, and 10⁻⁴ g/ml) and the results obtained are summarisedin the table below:

Survey Done at t+1 Hour Number of termites Number of under treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 16 4 −12 — Trial 2 0 20 20 — Trial 3 10 10 0— Trial 4 2 18 16 — Trial 5 20 0 20 — Average 9.6 10.4 0.8 2 MixtureTrial 1 5 15 10 — with Trial 2 10 10 0 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 8 12 4 —Trial 4 6 14 8 — Trial 5 9 11 2 — Average 7.6 12.4 4.8 4.6 Mixture Trial1 6 14 8 — with Trial 2 8 12 4 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 11 9 −2 — Trial 4 515 10 — Trial 5 7 13 6 — Average 7.4 12.6 5.2 6.5 Mixture Trial 1 17 3−14 — with Trial 2 8 12 4 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 10 10 0 — Trial 4 7 13 6 —Trial 5 4 16 12 — Average 9.2 10.8 1.6 9.8 Mixture Trial 1 8 12 4 — withTrial 2 12 8 −4 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 5 15 10 — Trial 4 6 14 8 — Trial 511 9 −2 — Average 8.4 11.6 3.2 5

Survey Done at t+2 Hours Number of termites Number of under treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 7 13 6 — Trial 2 8 12 4 — Trial 3 6 14 14 —Trial 4 7 13 6 — Trial 5 16 4 −12 — Average 8.8 11.2 3.6 5.4 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 3 17 14 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 5 15 10 —Trial 4 4 16 12 — Trial 5 6 14 8 — Average 5.6 14.4 8.8 12.6 MixtureTrial 1 3 17 14 — with Trial 2 12 8 −4 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 11 9 −2 —Trial 4 10 10 0 — Trial 5 8 12 4 — Average 8.8 11.2 2.4 5.8 MixtureTrial 1 0 20 20 — with Trial 2 3 17 14 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 11 9 −2 —Trial 4 14 6 −8 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 7.6 12.4 4.8 16.6 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 7 13 6 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 0 20 20 —Trial 4 14 6 −8 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 8.2 11.8 3.6 12.5

Survey Done at t+4 Hours Number of termites Number of under treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 12 8 −4 — Trial 2 8 12 4 — Trial 3 16 4 −12 —Trial 4 8 12 4 — Trial 5 8 12 4 — Average 10.4 9.6 −0.8 0.6 MixtureTrial 1 7 13 6 — with Trial 2 10 10 0 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 3 17 14 —Trial 4 2 18 16 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 6.4 13.6 7.2 12.2 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 13 7 −6 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 10 10 0 —Trial 4 9 11 2 — Trial 5 4 16 12 — Average 9.2 10.8 1.6 4.6 MixtureTrial 1 15 5 −10 — with Trial 2 10 10 0 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 8 12 4 —Trial 4 7 13 6 — Trial 5 5 15 10 — Average 9 11 2 6.3 Mixture Trial 1 812 4 — with Trial 2 15 5 −10 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 2 18 16 — Trial 4 3 1714 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 7.6 12.4 4.8 14.2

As shown by these results, a significant arresting effect (confirmed byX² test) is observed for the hydrocarbon compound mixture tested, at allconcentrations tested. The higher the concentrations of the hydrocarbonmixtures, the more quickly the arresting effect of these mixtures isnoticed.

EXAMPLE 2 Demonstration of the “Arresting” Effect on a TermitePopulation According to the Invention Including 11-methyltetracosane,5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, 5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and5-methyltetracosane (Mixture C)

20 worker termites of Reticulitermes santonensis type are placed in aPetri dish with a diameter of 5 cm containing:

2 mm wet Fontainebleau sand on the bottom;

a 1 cm² square of filter paper treated with 50 μl of a hydrocarboncompound mixture including 3.3% 11-methyltetracosane, 10.7% in weight of5-methylpentacosane; 34.2% in weight of 11-methyltetracosane; 18.5% inweight of (Z)-9-pentacosene; 26.1% in weight of n-pentacosane, 4.7% inweight of n-hexacosane, 1.1% of 5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and 1.4% of5-methyltetracosane.

This hydrocarbon compound mixture is dissolved in pentane and depositedon the filter paper. The termites are placed in contact with the treatedpaper after complete evaporation of the pentane;

a 1 cm² square of filter paper, untreated.

The termites found under each of the two sheets of filter paper are thencounted after 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours.

This test is repeated identically 5 times.

A control test conducted under the same condition with untreated filterpaper and filter paper treated with pentane used to dissolve thehydrocarbon compound mixture tested, the termites being in contact withthe treated paper only after the complete evaporation of pentane, isalso done 5 times.

The results obtained are then analyzed statistically by the X²(Chi-square) method: the distribution observed is compared to thetheoretical distribution (10 termites under each filter paper). For asignificance threshold a equal to 5%, the values obtained aresignificantly different from reference values, thus proving thearresting effect of the mixture tested, for a X²>9.48.

The mixture was tested with various concentrations (10⁻¹ g/ml, 10⁻²g/ml, 10⁻³ g/ml, and 10⁻⁴ g/ml) and the results obtained are summarisedin the table below:

Survey Done at t+1 Hours Number of termites Number of under treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 10 10 0 — Trial 2 6 14 8 — Trial 3 16 4 −12 —Trial 4 13 7 −6 — Trial 5 8 12 4 — Average 10.6 9.4 −1.2 6.5 MixtureTrial 1 3 17 14 — with Trial 2 0 20 20 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 3 17 14 —Trial 4 4 16 12 — Trial 5 1 19 18 — Average 2.2 17.8 15.6 31.5 MixtureTrial 1 13 7 −6 — with Trial 2 4 16 12 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 6 14 8 —Trial 4 2 18 16 — Trial 5 0 20 20 — Average 5 15 10 22.5 Mixture Trial 118 2 −16 — with Trial 2 15 5 −10 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 1 19 18 — Trial 416 4 −12 — Trial 5 12 8 −4 — Average 12.4 7.6 −4.8 — Mixture Trial 1 182 −16 — with Trial 2 10 10 0 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 18 2 −16 — Trial 4 1010 0 — Trial 5 12 8 −4 — Average 13.6 6.4 −7.2 — Mixture Trial 1 18 2−16 — with Trial 2 10 10 0 — 10⁻⁵ g/ml Trial 3 10 10 0 — Trial 4 4 16 12— Trial 5 15 5 −10 — Average 11.4 8.6 −2.8 —

Survey Done at t+2 Hours Number of termites under Number of the treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 10 10 0 — Trial 2 13 7 −6 — Trial 3 16 4 −12— Trial 4 5 15 10 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 10.8 9.2 −1.6 7 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 2 18 16 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 2 18 16 —Trial 4 11 9 −2 — Trial 5 4 16 12 — Average 5.8 14.2 8.4 16.5 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 0 20 20 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 1 19 18 —Trial 4 7 13 6 — Trial 5 1 19 18 — Average 3.8 16.2 12.4 27.1 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 16 4 −12 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 6 14 8 —Trial 4 12 8 −4 — Trial 5 6 14 8 — Average 10 10 0 7.2 Mixture Trial 1 119 18 — with Trial 2 6 14 8 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 16 4 −12 — Trial 4 10 100 — Trial 5 12 8 −4 — Average 9 11 2 13.7 Mixture Trial 1 2 18 16 — withTrial 2 8 12 4 — 10⁻⁵ g/ml Trial 3 10 10 0 — Trial 4 4 16 12 — Trial 510 10 0 — Average 6.8 13.2 6.4 10.4

Survey Done at t+4 Hours Number of termites under Number of the treatedtermites (with pentane under evaporated or untreated the mixture tofilter be tested) Trial paper filter paper Δ Samples number (N⁻) (N⁺)(=N⁺ − N⁻) X² Test Trial 1 10 10 0 — Trial 2 15 5 −10 — Trial 3 16 4 −12— Trial 4 2 18 16 — Trial 5 10 10 0 — Average 10.6 9.4 −1.2 12.5 MixtureTrial 1 8 12 4 — with Trial 2 12 8 −4 — 10⁻¹ g/ml Trial 3 2 18 16 —Trial 4 6 14 8 — Trial 5 1 19 18 — Average 5.8 14.2 8.4 16.9 MixtureTrial 1 10 10 0 — with Trial 2 0 20 20 — 10⁻² g/ml Trial 3 2 18 16 —Trial 4 6 14 8 — Trial 5 2 18 16 — Average 4 16 12 24.4 Mixture Trial 110 10 0 — with Trial 2 12 8 −4 — 10⁻³ g/ml Trial 3 6 14 8 — Trial 4 12 8−4 — Trial 5 2 18 16 — Average 8.4 11.6 3.2 8.8 Mixture Trial 1 16 4 −12— with Trial 2 5 15 10 — 10⁻⁴ g/ml Trial 3 3 17 14 — Trial 4 3 17 14 —Trial 5 4 16 12 — Average 6.2 13.8 7.6 19.5 Mixture Trial 1 1 19 18 —with Trial 2 2 18 16 — 10⁻⁵ g/ml Trial 3 10 10 0 — Trial 4 7 13 6 —Trial 5 15 5 −10 — Average 7 13 6 17.9

As shown by these results, a significant “arresting” effect (confirmedby X² test) is observed for the hydrocarbon compound mixture tested. Thehigher the concentrations of the hydrocarbon mixtures, the more quicklythe arresting effect of these mixtures is noticed.

EXAMPLE 3 Demonstration of the Improvement in the Transmission of aBiocide Between the Various Members of a Termite Population Thanks toAddition of a Mixture Including 5-methylpentacosane,11-methylvpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, andn-hexacosane (Mixture B)

The experiment is conducted in a LAB test box (36 cm×24 cm) containingon the bottom 5 mm of wet Fontainebleau sand and is repeated threetimes. In the box, a matrix is placed, consisting of a foam cube inwhich holes are made with a diameter of 5 mm, over which a small pieceof poplar wood is placed (1 cm×2 cm×2 cm).

The biocide used for this experiment is fipronil.

The matrix is sprayed with 5 ml of radioactive biocide. Only 4 faces aresprayed. The top and the bottom of the matrix are not treated.

In the box, an untreated piece of poplar wood is also placed in order torecreate a natural situation as exactly as possible.

The box is connected to a micro-nest also made up of an LAB test box (12cm×9 cm) containing on the bottom 5 cm of wet Fontainebleau sand.

The experimental arrangement may be diagrammed as follows:

Six experiments have been conducted in total:

3 experiments are conducted without spraying the matrix, in addition tothe radioactive biocidal product, with the hydrocarbon compound mixture;and

3 experiments are conducted by spraying on the matrix, in addition tothe radioactive biocidal product, a mixture of hydrocarbon compoundsincluding 11.4% in weight of 5-methylpentacosane, 36.3% in weight of11-methylpentacosane, 19.6% in weight of (Z)-9-pentacosene, 27.7% inweight of n-pentacosane and 5% in weight of n-hexacosane.

1,000 worker termites of the Reticulitermes santonensis type are placedin the micro-nest which is closed for 5 days in order to deprive thetermites of food and make them used to the artificial environment of themicro-nest. Then the micro-nest is opened and the termites have accessto the box containing the matrix. During these experiments, 50 termitesare taken from the micro-nest every 24 hours (from the opening of themicro-nest) and are crushed directly into the scintillation liquid. Theradioactivity of the solution obtained is then measured.

The results obtained are summarised in the graph below (where −HC meansthat radioactivity was measured in the tests in which the matrix was notsprayed with the mixture of hydrocarbon compounds to be tested and +HCmeans that the radioactivity was measured in the tests in which thematrix was sprayed with the hydrocarbon compound mixture to be tested).The higher the radioactivity observed, the more biocidal material wasabsorbed by the termites and the better the transmission was to theother members of the colony.

These results show a spreading of the biocide material between thevarious members of the termite colony clearly improved by the additionof the hydrocarbon compound mixture tested starting 4 days after theopening of the micro-nest.

EXAMPLE 4 Demonstration of the Insecticidal Activity of a CompositionIncluding a Hydrocarbon Compound Mixture (11.4% in Weight of5-methylpentacosane: 36.3% in Weight of 11-methylpentacosane; 19.6% inWeight of (Z)-9-pentacosene; 27.7% in weight of n-pentacosane, and 5% inWeight of n-hexacosane) and an Insecticide Compound (Fipronil)

The experiment is conducted in a LAB test box (6 cm×9 cm) containing onthe bottom 2 mm of wet Fontainebleau sand and is repeated five times. Inthe box, a matrix is placed, consisting of a foam cube in which holesare made with a diameter of 5 mm, over which a small piece of poplarwood is placed (1 cm×2 cm×2 cm). The foam is impregnated with coldfipronil. The matrix is sprayed with a hydrocarbon compound mixtureincluding 11.4% of 5-methylpentacosane; 36.3% of 11-methylpentacosane;19.6% of (Z)-9-pentacosene; 27.7% of n-pentacosane, and 5% ofn-hexacosane. Only 4 faces are sprayed. The top and the bottom of thematrix are not treated.

In the box, an untreated piece of poplar wood is also placed in order torecreate a natural situation as exactly as possible.

100 worker termites of Reticulitermes santonensis type are placed in thebox and their mortality after 3 days is evaluated. Variousconcentrations of cold fipronil are tested: 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, 2 ppm, 5ppm, and 7 ppm. The results obtained are summarised in the table below:Number of termites dead Sample tested Trial number after 3 days TestTrial 1 0 Trial 2 0 Trial 3 0 Trial 4 0 Trial 5 0 Average 0 Fipronil at0.5 ppm Trial 1 0 Trial 2 0 Trial 3 0 Trial 4 0 Trial 5 0 Average 0Fipronil at 1 ppm Trial 1 0 Trial 2 0 Trial 3 0 Trial 4 0 Trial 5 0Average 0 Fipronil at 2 ppm Trial 1 20 Trial 2 25 Trial 3 32 Trial 4 14Trial 5 9 Average 20 Fipronil at 5 ppm Trial 1 42 Trial 2 45 Trial 3 59Trial 4 56 Trial 5 50 Average 50.4 Fipronil at 7 ppm Trial 1 60 Trial 242 Trial 3 55 Trial 4 34 Trial 5 63 Average 50.8

These results show an insecticidal activity of the composition includingfipronil with the hydrocarbon compound mixture (11.4% of5-methylpentacosane; 34.2% of 11-methylpentacosane; 19.6% of(Z)-9-pentacosene; 27.7% of n-pentacosane, and 5% of n-hexacosane) that,at certain doses, allows destroying more than half of the termite colonyin three days.

1. Method to fight against social, sub-social or gregarious insectschosen from the group comprising termites, ants, cockroaches, earwigsand locusts comprising the use of a hydrocarbon compound mixture chosenamong alkanes and alkenes comprising from 20 to 40 carbon atoms. 2.Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the alkanes andalkenes comprise from 23 to 35 carbon atoms.
 3. Method according toclaim 2, characterised in that the alkanes and alkenes comprise from 25to 27 carbon atoms.
 4. Method according to claim 3, characterised inthat the alkanes and alkenes are chosen from the group comprising11-methyltetracosane, 5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane,(Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane,5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and 5-methyltetracosane.
 5. Method accordingto claim 4, characterised in that the hydrocarbon compound mixturecomprises 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, and n-pentacosane, 6.Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the hydrocarboncompound mixture is as follows: 11-methylpentacosane in a proportionranging from 36 to 51% in weight; (Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportionranging from 16 to 31% in weight; and n-pentacosane in a proportionranging from 26 to 41% in weight.
 7. Method according to claim 4,characterised in that the hydrocarbon compound mixture comprises5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, and n-hexacosane.
 8. Method according to claim 7,characterised in that the hydrocarbon compound mixture is as follows:5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 4 to 19% in weight;11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 29 to 43% in weight;(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 12 to 27% in weight;n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 20 to 35% in weight; andn-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight.
 9. Methodaccording to claim 4, characterised in that the hydrocarbon compoundmixture comprises 11-methyyltetracosane, 5-methylpentacosane,11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane,5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and 5-methyltetracosane.
 10. Method accordingto claim 9, characterised in that the hydrocarbon compound mixture is asfollows: 11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 10% inweight; 5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 18% inweight; 11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 27 to 41% inweight; (Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 11 to 26% inweight; n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 19 to 33% in weight;n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight;5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5% inweight; and 5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5%in weight.
 11. Hydrocarbon compound mixture comprising11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene, and n-pentacosane.
 12. Mixtureaccording to claim 11, characterised in that the compounds are presentin the following proportions: 11-methylpentacosane in a proportionranging from 36 to 41% in weight; (Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportionranging from 16 to 31% in weight; and n-pentacosane in a proportionranging from 26 to 41% in weight.
 13. Hydrocarbon compound mixturecomprising 5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, and n-hexacosane.
 14. Mixture according to claim 13,characterised in that the compounds are present in the followingproportions: 5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 4 to 19%in weight; 11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 29 to 43%in weight; (Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 12 to 27% inweight; n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 20 to 35% in weight;and n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight. 15.Hydrocarbon compound mixture comprising 11-methyltetracosane,5-methylpentacosane, 11-methylpentacosane, (Z)-9-pentacosene,n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, 5,17-dimethylpentacosane, and5-methyltetracosane.
 16. Mixture according to claim 15, characterised inthat the compounds are present in the following proportions:11-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 10% in weight;5-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 3 to 18% in weight;11-methylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 27 to 41% in weight;(Z)-9-pentacosene in a proportion ranging from 11 to 26% in weight;n-pentacosane in a proportion ranging from 19 to 33% in weight;n-hexacosane in a proportion ranging from 1 to 10% in weight;5,17-dimethylpentacosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5% inweight; and 5-methyltetracosane in a proportion ranging from 0.1 to 5%in weight.
 17. Insecticide composition comprising a hydrocarbon compoundmixture as defined in claim 1 and one or several insecticide compounds.18. Composition according to claim 17, characterised in that theinsecticide compound is chosen from the group comprising fipronil,chlorfenapyr, spinosad, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, indoxacarb,clothianidin, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, noviflumuron, triflumuron, andethiprole.
 19. Composition according to claim 18, characterised in thatthe insecticide compound is imidacloprid.
 20. Composition according toclaim 18, characterised in that the insecticide compound is fipronil.21. Method of treatment against insects using an efficient quantity of acomposition according to claim
 18. 22. Method according to claim 21,characterised in that the insects treated are termites.